Floor furnace



Dec. 21, 1954 K 5, JENSON ETAL 2,697,429

FLOOR FURNACE Filed Nov. 30. 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet l www@ Dec. 2l, 1954 K, 5 JENSON ETAL FLOOR FURNACE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed NOV. 30. 1951 o o u 000000000 nooo ma@ f WM o o o United States Patent O FLOOR FURNACE Kenneth S. Jenson and Frederick W. Suhr, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., assignors to Preway Inc., Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin Application November 30, 1951, Serial No. 259,096

11 Claims. (Cl. 126-116) This invention relates to a floor furnace, i. e., a heating unit which comprises a grille-head that is supported flush with the floor of a room and, depending therefrom, a casing in which is contained a heating means together with the parts associated therewith, A furnace of this kind is not readily accessible in case any repairs or adjustments are desired. Access to the furnace from a point below the oor is often difficult if not impossible. It becomes necessary, therefore, in many installations to emove the grille from the head and then reach down into the casing for the performance of any repair or adjustment work, or for the removal of any parts therefrom which can better be operated upon when lifted out to a more convenient position.

The present improvements which are concerned with a furnace of this type are directed to features of its construction which conduce to greater economy in manufacture, to enhanced structural strength, to increased accessibiiity from the top in case of repairs or adjustments, and to improved facility for removal of any of the furnace parts which are to be taken out for replacement or otherwise. In addition, we aim in the present furnace to attain the maximum of efiiciency and performance within a structure of minimum dimensions, to provide a circulation system for the effective heating of air preliminary to its discharge from the furnace, and to so position the furnace controls within the head as to dispense with its enlargement for their accommodation and operation.

A suggestive embodiment of this invention is set forth in the accompanying drawings wherein- Figure l is a top plan view of the head of our improved door furnace with only a fragmentary portion of the grille showing so as to better expose the structure therebelow;

Fig. 2 is a horizontal section, taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 5;

Figs. 3, 4, and 5 are fragmentary vertical sections, taken on lines 3 3, 4 4 and 5--5, respectively, of Figure l; and

Fig. 6 is a detail in vertical section, taken on line 6-6 of Figure l.

As herein shown, the present furnace comprises a rectangular head H from which depends a cylindrical casing C. The head comprises a four-sided wall 1f) which rises from a base 11 whose radial width varies from a maximum at its corners to a minimum at points midway therebetween (see Figure 1). A reinforcing band 12 having an outwardly extended flange along its top is desirably fitted around the head wall which is outwardly flanged at 14 along its top. The building floor F wherein such a furnace is installed is provided with a framed opening substantially the same in size as the head H. When the banded head is fitted into the floor opening, the head flange 14 is rested upon the floor F in flush relation therewith, thereby to support the furnace in a suspended position.

A grille G is fitted within the head. This grille may be in one or more sections. A ledge 15 extends inwardly from the head wall 10 to support the grille along its edges at an elevation which is about even with the floor F (see Fig. 3). At its top the casing C is joined to a circular flange which depends from the base 11 of the head. At or near its lower end, the casing is provided with a bottom 21 that is secured thereto in any appropriate way. As shown, the bottom is formed with a downwardly turned flange 22 having an outturned lip 23 for engage- 2,697,429 Patented Dec. 21, 1954 ice ment with the inner side of the casing C and its bottom end to establish a close connection therewith.

Within the casing and concentrically thereof is a cylindrical heating drum D which rests on the casing bottom 21. A burner B in the form of a pot is mounted within the lower portion of the heating drum wherein it is shown as supported on an inclined ring 25 having inner and outer flanges in supporting engagement with the burner and drum, respectively.

The walls of the burner pot are provided with primary and secondary air inlet openings a and b, respectively, in accordance with usual practice, and a fuel inlet pipe c extends into the pot with its delivery end positioned close to the center of the burner and adjacent its bottom. A pipe 26 connects the fuel inlet of the burner with a regulating valve 27 from which a pipe 28 leads upwardly for detachable connection with a valved coupling fitting 29 that is affixed to the casing C and in connection with a source of liquid fuel. This regulating valve is contained Within an appropriate housing that is mounted upon an arm 30 which projects outwardly from within the casing where it is affixed to its bottom as at 31. Control rods 32, 33, and 34 extend upwardly from the regulating valve and through the head base 11 to terminate below the grille G. The position of this regulating valve, as best shown in Figs. l and 3, is vertically below one of the corners of the head H where its base 11 is widest. As a result the upper ends of the several control rods, which are appropriately configured for convenience in manipulation, occupy space exteriorly of the casing C but within one of the corner areas of the head H where there is ample space for their accommodation. To operate these controls, the floor grille is removed, or a section thereof is lifted, either arrangement being feasible, or an access opening is permanently provided.

The heating drum D extends upwardly well toward the top of the floor furnace but terminates somewhat below its head H. A closure for the top of the drum is provided in a circular cover 35 which near its outer periphery is formed with an upstanding ange 36 and an outturned lip 37 for engaging with the inner face of the drum D and its top edge when fitted thereupon (see Fig. 4). This cover is formed with a short depending wall 38 at a point which is removed substantially from the wall of the drum. Supportingly fitted to this depending wall is a sleeve 40 which depends into the drum in spaced relation thereto down to a point relatively close to a baiiie ring 41 which is fitted over the top of the burner pot B.

Such a sleeve which is known as an economizer is provided near its top with a large opening (or openings) 45 at a point oppositely of a lower opening 46 in the heating drum. A collar 47 which is fitted through the drum opening 46 is provided with an end flange 48 that abnts the inner face of thegdrum. This collar extends outwardly toward the wall of the casing C where it joins with a coupling 5) that is fitted within an opening in the casing wall and with whose outer end is a connection 51 leading to a flue (not shown).

The cover 35 is in the form of a ring with a central aperture 51 defined by a downturned tiange 52. A flanged lid 54 is fitted into this aperture where it is supported by a hinge connection 55, and an operating finger 56 is disposed at the side of the lid opposite the hinge 55 to overlie the cover 35. It will be obvious that opening of the lid 54 will afford access to the interior of the economizer and also to the burner therebelow, and that the entire economizer 40, together with its cover 35, may be lifted out as a unit from the heating drum D to further expose the parts therewithin. Also the heating drum D, if desired, may be lifted off its supporting base, i. e., the casing bottom 21, and be removed from the casing C, provided only that the fuel connection c be broken and the ue collar 47 be disengaged from the coupling 50.

At one side of the casing C in its base portion is a tunneled housing or duct comprising a back wall 60 with a top wall 61 and side walls 62 extending outwardly therefrom and through an opening in the wall of the casing. The casing bottom is apertured at 63 between the side walls 62 of the inlet whose outer end is open.

Extending diametrically below the casing is a wide, shallow conduit closed on all sides except its top which is exposed to the casing bottom oppositely of a central aperture therethrough. Air entering through the inlet is free to pass downwardly through the aperture 63 into and through the conduit 65 and thence upwardly through the aperture 66 into the interior of the heating drum D. As here shown, the drum is provided with an apertured bottom wall 67 which in its central region is downset to rest upon the casing bottom 21 oppositely of the aperture 66 already described.

The heating drum which carries the heating means and economizer in unitary relation therewith is centered within the casing so as to be concentric therewith. For this purpose we may employ a plurality of like radially extending links 70 four of which are shown. Each link which may be made of heavy wire comprises downwardly inclined inner and outer sections e and f joined by a bottom section g; the inner section e at its top executes a bend of more than 90 to join with a relatively long vertical section h which is slidably and swingably supported within a sleeved fitting 71 that is affixed to the outer face of the heating drum D. The outer section f also executes a bend at its top of something more than 90 to provide a relatively short vertical section which is slidably received within a sleeved fitting 72 that is athxed to the inner face of the casing C. The links so formed and arranged are connected at opposite ends to the heating drum and casing, respectively, to tix the position of the drum coneentrically of the casing C and hold the collar 47 in engagement with the coupling 50. If the drum is to be removed from the casing, each link is slid upwardly to free its outer vertical section i from the sleeve fitting 72, but without removal of the link inner vertical section h from the sleeve fitting 71. A bend j near the lower end of the inner vertical section h will engage the sleeve fitting 71 to limit the extent of its upward movement therein, When the several links have been disengaged from the casing, the heating drum is free to be lifted outwardly therefrom upon lateral movement of the drum to free the collar i7 from the sleeve coupling 50.

The distance between the top of the liners 7e3 and 75' and the bottom of the grille G is less than the length of section of the links 70. This prevents disengagement of links 70 while the grille G is in operative position.

The drop center portion of each link 7) provides a seat whereon may be supported inner and outer cylindrical liners 74 and 75, respectively, in spaced concentric relation to each other and to the drum D and casing C. These liners are sustained in an elevated position well above the bottom of the casing with their upper ends extended into the furnace head H and additionally' maintained apart a uniformi distance by a plurality of radial spacers 76 which are removably extended therebetween to connect with the casing C outwardly thereof. A wide slot 77 is extended upwardly from the lower end of each liner whereby to permit it to iit down over and straddle the collar 47 when supported in operative position upon the links 70. A bulb 78 containing an expansible fluid is carried by a clip 79 affixed to one liner at a point proximate to the other liner close to the top of the space therebetween, the bulb being connected to a tube Si) leading to the regulating valve 27 for shutoli operation thereof in ease of excessive temperature developing in the furnace.

In operation, cool air is drawn downwardly through the grille G into the annular space to the outside of the outer liner 7S and into the annular chamber below the several links 70 where the air is free to expand laterally preliminary to ascension within the annular space oetween the heating drum D and the inner liner 7e. During this upward movement, there is a transfer of heat from the drum cylindrical wall to the air moving upwardly in contact therewith en route to its discharge through the grille C in the head H. The air so heated is in part free to pass over the top closure of the drum to be further heated thereby. The space between the inner and outer liners provides an effective insulation whereby to protect the air, while being heated during ascension along the heating drum D, from any cooling influence in this upward movement. The position of the bulb 7?: within this insulated space in its coolest portion, i. e., nearV its top, is particularly advantageous because it is 4 here that temperature fluctuations within the furnace are at a minimum.

We provide in the wall of the casing C an opening 81 oppositely of and above the regulating valve 27. This opening is normally closed by a sliding door 82 which is fitted to move vertically within guides 83. When this door is opened, access is afforded to the regulating valve 27 from the inside of the casing.

A door 85 (see Fig. 6) is also provided in the bottoni 21 where a clean-out opening is formed at a point close to the cylindrical Wall of the casing C. This door is shown to be hinged at 85, to be formed with a down-set panel which fits within the clean-out opening, and 'to be equipped with an operating finger 87 by which it may be opened and closed.

The present floor furnace is meritorious in many respects. By utilizing and assemblying in concentric relation a casing, a pair of liners and a drum, all cylindrical, it is possible to achieve two important objectives: (l) simplify the fabrication of these parts with a conse` quent reduction in the expense of their production, and (2) assure a uniform spacing between them at every point whereby to attain an even and unimpcded movement o'r' air throughout the entire circulating system. And there is the secondary feature of the seats for the liners, afforded by the links which releasably interconneet the heating drum and casing, these links acting to assure concentricity of these several parts when assembly is in process. The arrangement and construction is accordingly one which will facilitate the assembly and retention of the cylindrical components of the heater in their most effective operative relationship.

We claim:

l. A suspension type iioor furnace having, in combination, a rectangular grille-head and, depending therefrom, an open-top cylindrical casing provided with a bottom, a cylindrical heating drum and heating means therewithin arranged concentrically within the casing in uniformly spaced relation thereto, a regulating valve carried by the casing exteriorly thereof near its bottom and at a circumferential point that is vertically below one of the corner portions of the rectangular grille-head, a fuel pipe leading from a supply source to the regulating valve and thence through the walls of the casing and heating drum to the treating means interiorly thereof, control means for the regulating valve extending upwardly therefrom exteriorly of the casing and into the aforesaid corner portion of the grille-head and terminating there- Within to be operated therefrom, and a door in said casing adjacent said regulating valve for access thereto from inside the casing.

2. A floor furnace according to claim l in which a cylindrical liner is arranged intermediately of the drum and casing and supported in an eievated position relative to the casing bottom to define inner and outer annular spaces through which` air at room temperature is free to circulate rst downwardly through the outer space then inwardly below the liner bottom toward the inner space, and then upwardly therewithin and in contact with the wall of the heating drum to be heated thereby while ascending toward the grille-head for upward discharge therefrom.

3. A floor furnace according to claim l in which a plurality of means is extended radially between the casing and heating drum and in connection with each to x the position of the drum concentrie't-tlly of the casing.

4. A floor furnace according to claim l in which a plurality of means is extended radially between the casing and heating drum and in connection with each to tix the position of the drum concentrically of the casing, each of said connecting means being formed with a seat, and a cylindrical liner is arranged intermediately of the drum and casing upon the seats of the several connecting means to be supported thereby in an elevated position relative to the casing bottom to denne inner and outer annular spaces through which air is free to circulate, and so arranged that air at room temperature is free to circulate first down- `vardly through the outer space, then inwardly below the liner bottom toward the inner space, and then upwardly therewithin and in contact with the wall of the heating drum to be heated thereby while ascending toward the grille-head for upward discharge therefrom.

5. A oor furnace according to claim l in which a plurality of means is extended radially between the casing and heating drum and in connection with each to fix the position ofthe drum concentrically of the casing, each of the said connecting means being formed with a seat, and a pair of cylindrical liners is arranged intermediately of the drum and casing, spaced therefrom and from each other, and rested upon the seats of the several connecting means to be supported thereby in fixed positions at an equal elevation above the casing bottom to dene inner, intermediate and outer annularspaces, and so arranged that air at room temperature is free to circulate first downwardly through the outer space, and then inwardly below the bot toms of both liners toward the inner space, and then upwardly therewithin and in contact with the wall of the heating drum to be heated thereby while ascending toward the grille-head for upward discharge therefrom.

6. A suspension type floor furnace having, in combination, a grille-head and, depending therefrom, an open-top casing having a bottom through which is a central opening and, spaced therefrom, a second opening adjacent a wall thereof, a heating drum and heating means therewithink arranged within the casing in spaced relation thereto and provided with a bottom opening in register with the central opening in the casing bottom, means fixing the position of the heating drum within the casing, an air conduit carried on the under side of the casing bottom and extending between the two openings thereof and in communication with each, and a duct extending through the casing wall proximate to the second opening in the bottom thereof and in communication therewith to admit air therethrough and through the conduit into the heating drurn at its base.

7. A suspension type floor furnace having, in combination, an open-top cylindrical casing surmounted by a grillehead, a closed-top cylindrical heating drum and heating means therewithin arranged within the casing to be supported thereby, a plurality of interconnecting means extending radially between the casing and drum and loosely connected thereto at circumferentially spaced points on the casing and drum and intermediately of the ends of the casing and drum to fix the position of the drum and casing concentrically one with respect to the other, a seat on each such interconnecting means intermediately of its ends, and a cylindrical liner arranged between the drum and casing and rested on the seats of the interconnecting means to be supported thereby concentrically of the drum and casing and to securely hold said interconnecting means in engagement with said casing and drum.

8. A suspension type floor furnace having, in combination, an open-top cylindrical casing surmounted by a grillehead, a closed-top cylindrical heating drum and heating means therewithin arranged within the casing to be supported thereby, a plurality of interconnecting means extending radially between the casing and drum and loosely connected thereto at circumferentially spaced points on the casing and drum and intermediate the ends of the casing and drum to fix the position of the drum and casing concentrically one with respect to the other, a seat on each such interconnecting means intermediately of its ends, and a pair of cylindrical liners arranged between the drum and casing and rested on the seats of the interconnecting means to be supported thereby concentrically of the drum and casing in fixed positions spaced from each other and from the drum and casing to define therewith inner, intermediate, and outer annular spaces, the arrangement being such that air at room temperature is free to circulate downwardly through the outer space, then inwardly below the two liners and toward the inner space, and then upwardly therewithin and in contact with the wall of the heating drum to be heated thereby while ascending toward the grille-head for discharge therefrom, the air in the annular space between the two liners acting to provide an insulation therebetween, said liners holding said interconnecting means in engagement with said drum and casing.

9. A suspension floor furnace having, in combination, a rectangular grille-head and, depending therefrom, an opentop cylindrical casing provided with a bottom, a cyllndrical heating drum and heating means therewlthm arranged concentrically within the casing in uniformly spaced relation thereto, a regulating valve carried by the casing exteriorly thereof near its bottom and at a circumferential point that is vertically below one of the corner portions of the rectangular grille-head, a fuel pipe leading from a supply source to the regulating valve and thence through the walls of the casing and heating drum to the heating means interiorly thereof, control means for the regulating valve extending upwardly therefrom exteriorly of the casing and into the aforesaid corner portion of the grille-head and terminating therewithin to be operated therefrom, a collar fitted to the heating drum in communication with the interior thereof and extending laterally away therefrom through the casing for connection with a flue, a cylindrical liner arranged intermediately of the drum and casing, concentrically thereof, and dening inner and outer annular spaces through which the air is free to circulate in opposite directions, a. plurality of means extending between the drum and casing and connected with each at a common level below the collar and substantially above the casing bottom and in supporting engagement with the liner to sustain the same at a fixed elevation within the casing, the liner being formed with a slot extending upwardly from its bottom for accommodation of the collar therein, and means at the casing bottom providing an air inlet in communication with the interior of the heating drum.

l0. A suspension type floor furnace comprising, an open-top casing, a heating drum and heating means positioned within the casing, a collar extending outwardly away from the heating drum and in communication with the interior thereof for eduction of products of combustion therefrom, a coupling sleeve in connection with a flue affixed to the casing wall at a point oppositely of the outer end of the collar and in releasable connection therewith, the arrangement being such that movement of the drum within the casing causes separation of the collar from the coupling sleeve to free the drum for removal from the casing by an upward movement relative to the casing, and movable connecting means extending between said casing and drum and loosely connected thereto at laterally spaced points along the periphery of the casing and drum and intermediate the ends of the casing and drum for securely holding said drum in spaced relation with the casing and the collar in engagement with the coupling sleeve, said connecting means being manually movable to a release position wherein the drurn may be moved with respect to the casing.

11. A floor furnace having, in combination, a casing, a heating drum and heating means therewithin arranged within the casing to be supported thereby, a plurality of interconnecting means extending between the casing and drum and loosely connected thereto at laterally spaced points along the periphery of the casing and drum and intermediately of the ends of the casing and drum to ix the position of the drum and casing with respect to each other, a seat on each such interconnecting means intermediately of its ends, and a liner arranged between the drum and casing and rested on the seats of the interconnecting means to be supported on said seats between the drum and casing and to securely hold said interconnecting means in engagement with said drum and casing.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,415,234 Gamble May 9, 1922 1,506,775 Roe Sept. 2, 1924 2,056,465 Juhnke Oct. 6, 1936 2,200,645 Stephens May 14, 1940 2,392,541 Martin Jan. 8, 1946 2,508,131 Zink May 16, 1950 2,523,569 Harvey Sept. 26, 1950 2,589,702 Kelly Mar. 18, 1952 

